Description
Object description
A television film about Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT). The film follows journalists as they visit North America and Europe, observing NATO member countries' naval activities.
Content description
The film opens at the headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) at Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. Eight countries are noted as supplying ships for SACLANT: Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In a briefing room, a large map shows planning for an anti-submarine exercise in the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. Aerial views show the harbours at Norfolk. Several US aircraft carriers are described - the USS FORRESTAL and the USS INDEPENDENCE. USS ENTERPRISE is shown under construction. Shore life in Norfolk is briefly characterised, with views of supermarkets, religious buildings, and a golf course. A Vought F-8 Crusader is shown at Naval Air Station Oceana. Oceana serves the naval carrier fleet, by providing an alternative landing site in an emergency and by allowing carriers to set to sea without a full complement of aircraft onboard.
The film moves to U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut. Here a Schwartzkopff torpedo is polished and a Japanese Midget Submarine is shown on grass, outside the headquarters. The journalists visit a training submarine. A diving exercise is shown. USS NAUTILUS is shown heading out to sea. USS Triton and USS GEORGE WASHINGTON are shown in the harbour at Groton. The Base Ingénieur Général Stosskopf (formerly Keroman Submarine Base) at Lorient, France, is shown - as is a naval command at Château de Brest. Journalists speak with the Captain onboard the French aircraft carrier CLEMENCEAU. Lann Bihoue Naval Air Base (Base Aéronavale de Lann Bihoué); French crews operate Lockheed P-2 Neptunes. Neptunes also operate from Keflavík, Iceland. Journalists study the Canadair CP-107 Argus at Greenwood, Nova Scotia, Canada. Its specification and interior is described.
At HMC Dockyard, Canada, the journalists set out to join an air-sea NATO exercise. They arrive at HMCS BONAVENTURE, as the importance of anti-submarine warfare to SACLANT is described. Aircraft prepare to take-off. In the English Channel, two frigates (HMS HARDY and HMS KEPPEL) take part in another exercise and are refuelled by a supply ship. The film ends, noting that while each force sails under its own national flag, they will unite under the command of SACLANT in the event of attack.
Physical description
16mm